Ride the Extraordinary

If 2025 was a year of getting back in the saddle, 2026 is set to be the year of the extraordinary. For cyclists in the UK and beyond, the upcoming season offers more than just the standard col-bagging trips to the Alps. We are looking at a guided cycling holidays calendar punctuated by rare celestial events, arctic adventures, and the timeless allure of the Grand Tours.

Navigating the logistics of a European cycling holiday—booking cyclist-friendly hotels, planning GPX routes, and ensuring mechanical support—can often be a headache that detracts from the joy of the ride. This is where the magic of a guided cycling holiday comes in. Having support vehicles, expert guides, and a guaranteed comfortable bed at the end of a hard day allows you to focus on what matters: the tarmac ahead and the scenery around you.

Based on the newly released schedule from European Cycling Tours, here is everything you need to know about where to ride in 2026.

The freedom of the open road—without the luggage!

Guided Cycling Holidays 2026

1. Chasing the Shadow: The Picos Eclipse Ride (August 2026)

The headline event for 2026 is undoubtedly in Spain. On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the northern peninsula, a rare astronomical event that won’t be repeated in mainland Europe for decades.

European Cycling Tours has curated a special Picos Eclipse Ride centered around this phenomenon. You will be riding through the jagged, limestone peaks of the Picos de Europa—a stunning, often underrated range compared to the French Alps—culminating in a viewing of the eclipse from a prime vantage point.

Why It’s Unmissable

The Picos de Europa offers a different flavour of climbing than the Pyrenees. It is greener, wilder, and the limestone formations create a dramatic “dolomitic” backdrop. The roads here are exceptionally smooth and quiet.

• The Ride: 5 days of guided cycling through the National Park.
• The Highlight: Viewing the total eclipse. Imagine cresting a col or relaxing by the hotel pool with a glass of Sangria as the sky turns to twilight in the middle of the afternoon.
• The Logistics: August in Spain can be busy, but a guided tour secures your accommodation in advance, ensuring you have a front-row seat to history without the booking stress.

Forwarding Link: View the Picos Eclipse Ride 2026 Details

2. The Midnight Sun: Norway Atlantic Coast (June 2026)

For those who find the summer heat of Southern Europe too stifling, or simply crave a landscape that feels otherworldly, the Norway Atlantic Coast tour in June offers a spectacular alternative.

This route takes you high into the Arctic Circle to experience the “Midnight Sun,” where daylight persists for 24 hours. The psychological boost of endless daylight is incredible—you never feel the pressure to “beat the sunset” home.

The Norway Atlantic Road: Unmitigated beauty and tranquility.

The Route: Tromsø to Sommarøy

The itinerary typically covers around 445km, starting in Tromsø and winding through the islands of Senja. The crown jewel is the Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien), an engineering marvel that bridges an archipelago with twisting roads that dip and arch over the Norwegian Sea.

• Terrain: Rolling coastal roads with punchy climbs rather than long Alpine drags.
• Scenery: Pristine tarmac, dramatic fjords, and the surreal experience of riding late into the evening in full daylight.
• Wildlife: It is not uncommon to spot sea eagles or seals from the saddle. The tour often includes a RIB boat safari on the fjord to get even closer to nature.

Forwarding Link: Explore the Norway Atlantic Coast Itinerary

3. The Classics: London to Paris & The Tour de France

For many UK cyclists, London to Paris is a rite of passage. It is the ultimate A-to-B journey, connecting two of the world’s greatest capitals via the rolling hills of Kent and the vast plains of Northern France. In 2026, there are two distinct ways to tackle this iconic route.

Option A: The Spring Classic (May 2026)

A ride through the blooming Kentish countryside and the yellow rapeseed fields of Northern France. This is perfect for those wanting a scenic, morale-boosting start to the season. The weather is generally mild, and the roads are quiet.

Forwarding Link: Book Your London to Paris Slot

Arriving in Paris: Still one of Europe’s favourite short break cycling holidays!

Option B: The Tour de France Edition (July 2026)

This is the high-octane option. The ride is timed perfectly to arrive in Paris to witness the final stage of the Tour de France on the Champs-Élysées.

• The Atmosphere: Paris on the final day of Le Tour is electric. The city is closed to cars, flags from every nation wave along the Rue de Rivoli, and the roar of the peloton is deafening.
• The Finish: Rolling into the city just hours before the pros is an unmatched feeling. You aren’t just watching the race; you feel part of the festival of cycling.

Forwarding Link: Book Your place to watch the TdF in Paris

4. The Road Less Travelled: Romania & Croatia

If you have already done the Stelvio, the Galibier, and the Ventoux, 2026 is the year to look East. Eastern Europe offers some of the most challenging and visually arresting riding on the continent, often with far fewer cars than the Western Alps.

Romania: The Transfăgărășan Epic (September 2026)

Jeremy Clarkson famously called the Transfăgărășan Highway “the best road in the world.” He wasn’t wrong. Rising to over 2,000m in the Carpathian Mountains, it offers hairpin after hairpin in a landscape that feels wild and untouched.

• The Climb: It’s a serpent of tarmac coiling up the mountain. The gradients are consistent, allowing you to find a rhythm, but the sheer scale of the road is humbling.
• The Vibe: This is an adventure. You are riding through Transylvania, a region steeped in history and folklore. Expect to see wild horses and perhaps even a bear (safely from the support van!).

Forwarding Link: Ride you bike into Transylvania

Croatia: Venice to Dubrovnik (September 2026)

This tour runs the length of the Dalmatian Coast. It is a journey through history, starting in the canals of Venice and ending in the fortified walls of Dubrovnik (Kings Landing to Game of Thrones fans).

• The Ride: Days are spent hugging the glittering Adriatic coastline, with forays inland to tackle limestone climbs.
• The Culture: The tour passes through three countries (Italy, Slovenia, Croatia), offering a rich mix of cuisines and cultures.

Forwarding Link: Explore Mediterranean Croatia

5. Why Choose Guided Cycling Holidays?

You might be wondering, “Can’t I just pack my panniers and go?” Of course you can. But booking a spot on an “Open Date” guided tour transforms a logistical challenge into a seamless holiday.

European Cycling Tours provides:

1. Full Support: No heavy panniers. Your luggage is transferred from hotel to hotel in the support van. If you crack on a climb or have a mechanical you can’t fix, the van is there to help.
2. Expert Navigation: No staring at a Garmin trying to find a reroute when a road is closed. The guides know these roads inside out.
3. Social Safety: For solo riders or couples, joining a group is safer and more social. You have a ready-made peloton to draft behind on the flats and share a beer with at dinner.
4. Premium Accommodation: 3 and 4-star hotels selected specifically for their cyclist-friendly amenities (secure bike storage, hearty breakfasts).

Ready to Ride?

The 2026 calendar is now open. For specialized events like the Solar Eclipse ride and the Tour de France finale, spaces are strictly limited and expected to sell out quickly.

Whether you want to chase the sun in the Arctic or chase the peloton in Paris, 2026 promises to be a vintage year for cycling in Europe.

👉 Browse the full 2026 Itinerary and Book Your Ride:

Author’s Note: All tour details were correct at the time of writing. Please check the official European Cycling Tours website for live availability and pricing.

Jason Director

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Sustrans British Cycling Tour de France Amaury Sport Organisation Giro d'Italia European Cyclists Federation